Police caution motorists to stop for school buses 10-02-03

Police are reminding Big Island motorists they should stop completely while a school bus is stopped and taking on or discharging students.

Sergeant Randy Apele, head of the Traffic Services Section, said both state law and county ordinance require vehicles on both sides of a road to come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus taking on or discharging students and is displaying a red alternating signal.

“Motorists on both sides of the road should remain stopped until the bus driver turns off the red alternating signal,” Apele said.

“The law is aimed at protecting youngsters who may have to cross the road in front of a stopped school bus.”

Apele issued the reminder after police received several complaints, especially from rural areas, about vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses.